2012 bmw x6 Model Overview

The 2012 BMW X6 is essentially a highly stylized and less useful variant of the 2012 BMW X5. Based on the same platform as BMW’s popular midsize SUV, the X6 gets the very-capable guts of the X5 along with a sporty fastback-like exterior treatment. BMW calls the X6 a “Sports Activity Coupe” (SAC), which is in some ways an appropriate term, as it doesn’t contain the word “utility.”

Looking like the offspring of an X5 and an M3 coupe, the X6 sports a dramatically raked roofline, a feature that gives the impression of sportiness. While the X6 is no slouch when it comes to acceleration, endowed with such engine options as a 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, 400-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, and 555-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 in the radical X6 M, the vehicle’s purpose and philosophy of use are a bit unclear.

Still, the X6’s standard xDrive all-wheel drive system and many standard features make it a vehicle suitable for a range of different tasks. Standard Nevada leather upholstery lines the interior, while the cargo area is fully finished in other high-grade materials. The available navigation system can be brought up on the wide central display screen through the iDrive multi-function control knob. BMW’s ConnectedDrive infotainment system is also available, giving drivers the ability to listen to Pandora via their phone’s Bluetooth, if the BMW Apps option is equipped.

For 2012, the X6 receives an iPod/USB adapter, BMW Assist, auto-dimming mirrors, privacy glass, and heated front seats as standard equipment on all models. Adjustable lumbar support is added to the xDrive35i’s list of standard features, while the xDrive50i gets a standard universal garage door opener. Passenger capacity increases to five when the new 5-seater option is checked, which adds a center seat in the rear. Option packages get shuffled around, with heated rear seats being substituted for the now-standard heated front seats in the Cold Weather package. BMW’s head-up display is now part of the Technology package, along with Automatic High Beam Assistant and side-view camera. The ActiveHybrid X6 is discontinued for the 2012 model year.

If you took away the X6’s ride height, it could pass for a four-door coupe with its raked roofline and fastback-style rear end. Being that the X6 is an SUV though, it falls into a new category of highly stylized utes, joined by the company of the Acura ZDX and the Range Rover Evoque. Though its X5 underpinnings add weight, the X6 also benefits from its platform-mate’s capable-looking proportions, with a few sporty elements thrown into the mix. Apart from the aforementioned raked roofline, the front end is stretched to give the X6 a long coupe-like hood. The X6 M takes the sporty SUV look to another level, adding an aggressive-looking front valance, lowered ride height, and large 20-inch wheels with performance tires.

The X6 gets BMW’s standard interior treatment, complete with a soft-touch dashboard with a line of trim running horizontally across. The dash is highlighted by the X6’s large 11.8-inch iDrive display screen, which can bring up the optional navigation system or ConnectedDrive infotainment system. The driver interfaces with the system through BMW’s iDrive control knob, which has been improved from past versions. Nevada leather comes standard on all X6 models, wrapping the seats, steering wheel, and door inserts. Premium Nappa leather upholstery is available for the dash and center console, and adds another level of richness to the X6’s cabin.

While perhaps not as sporty as its exterior lets on, the X6 is a surprising performer on paved roads–especially in M guise. Base xDrive35i models get BMW’s now-familiar turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, producing 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The xDrive50i kicks horsepower up a couple of notches with its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, which makes 400 hp and 450 lb-ft. The superlative X6 M gets a significantly tweaked version of that engine, which pumps out 555 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. That vehicle also gets a version of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system tuned by BMW’s M Division, which is good enough to almost convince you that the X6 M can defy the laws of physics when combined with the sport suspension and larger M brakes. The X6 M gets an M-tuned six-speed automatic transmission, while all other models get BMW’s eight-speed auto.

The X6 gets dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with passenger seat sensor, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and an automatic crash response system as standard safety equipment. These safety features are controlled by BMW’s Advanced Safety System, which determines which measures to deploy in the event of a crash. An ABS system along with BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system comes standard. A rear-view and top-view camera is available through the Premium package, and BMW’s side-view cameras can be selected with the Technology package.

2012 BMW X6 Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$59,600

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$28,025

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Units Affected

2846

Recall ID#16V071000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE INFLATOR MODULE

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The interim remedy began June 22, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Units Affected

840000

Recall ID#17V020000 - AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Units Affected

48951

Recall ID#17V138000 - POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Consequence

If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

2012 BMW X6 News and Reviews

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BMW quietly admitted that diesel engines are coming to one or more of its M cars this morning, which could open the door to oil-burning X5 Ms, X6 Ms, and even M5s.The press release claims that the M brand will get “a new product range” that will “offer exclusive engine variants” and that BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system will “also…

Could BMW be prepping a diesel-powered variant of the X6 M? All signs are pointing to yes, and the automaker releasing the second teaser video for a new M-tuned X6 model.Earlier this month, BMW released a minute-long video showing an X6 driving along serpentine roads and tracks with its front and rear fascias, mirrors, exhausts, and badge blurred out. Most notable…

Ready for a new version of the BMW X6 M? Based on this teaser video, a new version of BMW’s “Sports Activity Coupe” is on the way, with a unique new powertrain. Though the X6’s badges and fascias are obscured, the video does reveal that BMW’s M GmbH performance division had a hand in preparing the new car.We already knew…

Since its introduction, the BMW X6 has puzzled us with its combination of limited utility, high price, and polarizing styling. The latter issue may not be addressed for some time, but as these spy shots show, a facelift could make the X6 a bit easier on the eyes for some.The bumper has changed since we last saw the X6, as…